The MexicoBlog of the CIP Americas Program monitors and analyzes international press on Mexico with a focus on the US-backed War on Drugs in Mexico and the struggle in Mexico to strengthen the rule of law, justice and protection of human rights. Relevant political developments in both countries are also covered.

Nov 4, 2011

Drug War - Military Abuses: 14 Mexican Soldiers Sentenced in Killing of 5

NYTimes.com: "Mexico's military says 14 soldiers have been convicted and sentenced to prison in the fatal shooting of two women and three children whose vehicle failed to stop at an army checkpoint in 2007.

The Defense Department says a commanding officer received a 40-year sentence in a court martial and another officer received 38 years. A judge gave 12 enlisted soldiers 16-year sentences. Two soldiers were acquitted. A military announcement Thursday says the verdicts and sentences were handed down last week.

The case was among the first of suspected abuse by soldiers deployed by President Felipe Calderon when he launched an offensive by federal security forces against drug cartels in late 2006."